CLIVE — Four juvenile suspects ranging in age from 14 to 17 allegedly fled from a stolen vehicle, ran from police and were later found inside an apartment where authorities recovered six firearms, including four confirmed stolen guns, during a sprawling suburban Des Moines investigation.
The case began just after 6 p.m. on September 21, when Clive police officers attempted to stop a confirmed stolen vehicle on NW 86th Street.
The driver refused to stop.
Police back off pursuit as rain and traffic raise danger
Clive officers initially followed the stolen vehicle but backed off because of heavy traffic and wet road conditions.
Police were still able to keep the vehicle in sight as it turned into a parking lot in the 4500 block of 86th Street in Urbandale.
The occupants then abandoned the vehicle and took off on foot.
Authorities determined the vehicle had been reported stolen in Polk County and turned it over to Polk County sheriff’s deputies.
Officers surround area as suspects scatter
Police from Clive, Urbandale and Johnston established a perimeter while a Clive Police Department K9 began tracking the fleeing suspects.
A short time later, officers spotted two suspects entering a building.
Investigators eventually identified an apartment in the complex and secured the residence.
Four juveniles were located inside.
Because the suspects are minors, police did not release their names.
Six guns recovered inside apartment
Detectives with the Mid Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force were called in to assist.
Investigators obtained a search warrant for the apartment and say they recovered six firearms.
Four of those guns have since been confirmed stolen.
Police also reported finding additional drug evidence inside the residence.
The four juveniles involved ranged from 14 to 17 years old.
One teen accused of trafficking stolen weapons
One juvenile was initially detained on outstanding arrest warrants.
A second juvenile was charged with trafficking in stolen weapons along with additional drug and theft offenses.
Police said additional charges are pending against all four juveniles as investigators continue processing evidence and examining electronic devices recovered during the case.
The latest arrests add to a string of youth-related trouble that has drawn police attention in Clive in recent years.
In 2024, NIT reported that a large group of unruly teens was drinking, shooting fireworks and jumping from a bridge at Campbell Park, prompting police to warn that citations and $630 fines would follow. That incident came only months after vandals caused an estimated $150,000 in damage at a Clive neighborhood park.
Clive was back in the headlines this summer after police nabbed a suspect accused of opening fire on an occupied vehicle during a late-night gathering at Campbell Park, wounding two young people.
Investigation remains active
The Clive Police Department said the stolen-vehicle and weapons case remains under investigation and additional charges could follow as evidence is analyzed.
Clive police were assisted by the Johnston Police Department, Mid Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, Polk County Attorney’s Office, Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Urbandale Police Department.
Authorities also reminded residents to keep vehicles locked, remove keys and valuables and remain aware of their surroundings.
The juveniles accused of crimes in this case are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.